BRIGHTON & HOVE GROUNDSTAFF SACKING DESCRIBED AS 'WITCH HUNT'

It was widely reported last week that three members of Brighton & Hove Albion FC's ground-staff team were dismissed over the leaking of team selections online - but were allegedly denied disciplinary hearings.

The BBC was one of many media outlets to report on the story. In their report, it was said that as well as the denial of hearings the dismissed staff also were not given reasons for their sacking.

The GMB union is quoted in the BBC report saying the dismissal "stinks" and called for Brighton to reinstate workers.

The Premier League club said it does not comment on "matters which it regards as confidential".

Brighton announced team selections were being leaked from October 2018.

The BBC quotes ex-deputy head groundsman Ashley Smith, 34, as saying he was taken into "private meetings" and questioned along with his colleagues from April.

The meetings were not recorded and the employees were allegedly told "they were helping with the inquiry".

"It was a dream job that has been taken off me for no reason," he is quoted by the BBC.

"I have a family mortgage and it's going to have a massive impact on my whole life. I haven't been sleeping since."

Also quoted in the report is GMB branch secretary Mark Turner, who says "No evidence has been found or presented by the club during this near three-month investigation which links our members to the supposed social media team leaks, yet they dismiss our members without notice.

"This just stinks and considering this club prides itself on its commitment to the standards, values and expectations set by the Premier League, the way they have treated their staff throughout this witch hunt is simply deplorable and unfair."

The GMB and Mr Smith said the workers had appealed against the decision and union is taking legal advice.